Progress 05/01/07 to 04/30/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Connecticut SCP reached youth through 20 new sites{ (Hartford 5, New Haven 15)(includes summer day camps)} and 24 ongoing clubs (Hartford 14, New Haven 10) that were established as a result of 4-H FANs. Approximately 1,102 youth have been engaged through new and sustained clubs (Harford 414, New Haven 688).4-H FANs teens completed 10- 15 hour curriculum training or curriculum refresher training on leadership development, fitness and nutrition lessons. Community partners and state personnel were trained in Positive Youth Development, CPR and First Aid. Also staff were trained in Youth Development. Primary audience baseline and post data measures were collected to determine nutrition and fitness awareness, knowledge and attitudes via questionnaires, observations, and objective fitness measures. Food demonstrations were provided in conjunction with EFNEP and SNAP Ed staff. Non-traditional exercise was introduced by community instructors, including yoga, karate and Latin dance, and Zuumba (Latin aerobic exercise), etc. PARTICIPANTS: Umekia R. Taylor- PI/Project Director- oversee CT project, coordinates meetings, cohesiveness of Hartford and New Haven sites. Dr. Ana Gomez- design, implementation and analysis of fitness,nutrition measures. Brittanie Volk- Grad student- fitness measures. Sunasha Nixon-Program Aide-nutrition education and food demonstrations. Rineicha Otero- Assistance nutrition education. Katryna Minski-data collection and input, and evaluation measures. Linda Horn- Hartford Co-Project Director-over site of Hartford Project and provide training/guidance of 4-H Clubs.Sherry Gray-Hartford Co-Project Director- assistance with direction of Hartford Project- guidance and involvement of sound nutrition principles. LaShawn Christie-Francis 4-H Outreach- training 4-H Youth leader,supervisors-scheduling events and formulating 4-H FANs sustained. Natoshia Barofield- organize,facilitate,assistsurvey collection. Francine Eulizier- nutrition,fitness education-youth supervision and direct programming. Margaret Grillo-New Haven Project Director-over site of New Haven Project and provide training/guidance of 4-H Clubs. Wanda Hamilton-State Project Director-provides over site for consistency of Hartford and New Haven Projects;4-H Volunteer Leader Training, collaborates with evaluator for scheduling evaluation time schedule;guidance for 4-H Leaders and supervisor,scheduling of events. Jeanne Pennella- Provided guidance, supervision of 4-H Youth. Cerina Savino-assistance with data collection and evaluation measures, youth training, 4-H FANs clubs. Deborah Stewart-Youth development education workshops,guidance for engagement of sustained clubs. Alisa Bowen,Latin Dance Instruction,Antoinette Martone, Zumba Instructor;Janet Hernandez, Zumba Instructor. Katalina Rigelmann-nutrition and fitness education-youth supervision and direct programming. Hartford Board of Education; Hands on Hartford After school Program at Maria Sanchez School; Maria Sanchez School; Global Communication Academy at the Boys and Girls Club;Rawson School,; Betances School;Abundant Family Center; Milner School, ; Boys and Girls Club; Batchelor School, New Haven Board of Education/curriculum committee; Family Resource Center at Vincent Mauro School/Mauro Sheridan, Vincent Mauro School; John Martinez School/Family Resource Center, Easter Seals Goodwill Industries,MicroSociety Magnet School, Augustus Troup School,; St. Martin dePorres,; University of Connecticut 4-H SYNEP SNAP Ed Program; University of Connecticut Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program; University of Connecticut 4-H Youth Development Program; New Haven Youth@ Work Program; City Wide Youth Coalition; Alisa's House of Salsa; and Youth Development Training Center-.Red Cross CPR and First Aide Certification Course completed by SCP staff. Latin Dance, Yoga and Karate Instruction provided for students, parents and SCP staff. Youth Development Technical assistance provided for Sustained clubs and staff. Fitness Measures Training provided for SCP staff. Ethics, IRB and Diversity training by PI and Directors and SCP staff. Sustainainable Communities Webinar Training, Social Media Training. Leadership Training for PI and staff. TARGET AUDIENCES: African American and Latino students (3rd to 5th grade) from after school programs:Vincent Mauro Magnet School/Mauro Sheridan,;John Martinez School;St. Martin De Porres;Troup Magnet School/Augustus Troup, ;Fair Haven School;MicroSociety Magnet School;Clinton Avenue School;Rawson School;Milner School;Boys & Girls Club;Batchelor School, Maria Sanchez School;Abundant Life Family Center,Betances School- African American and Latino high school youth from Hartford and New Haven, CT. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Community Integration-Family Night Exergames continued to be introduced as an extension of 4-H FANs clubs. A total of 14 Family Nights were conducted which included exergame technology demonstrations and healthy lifestyle (nutrition and fitness) information. Four hundred and forty-four (440) one time contacts were conducted in New Haven via special community health fair events. Community partners attended and contributed as workshop presenters at the National CYFAR conference. 4-H Teen mentors and afterschool providers hosted interactive demonstrations for the public a the County 4-H Fairs (Hartford and New Haven Counties). 4-H Teen Mentors have participated in State 4-H Events, including the county fair (achieved Red Ribbon recognition), Eastern States Regional Fair, Citizenship Day at the Capitol and Citizenship Washington Focus in Washington, D.C. Technology Integration- New Exergame software and Xbox Kinect were introduced at community sites. Youth also helped document program through video cameras. Notebook computers were used at sites for youth to explore nutrition and fitness sites. IPads were secured through alternative funding to explore integration of evaluation measures using technology at the point of contact. Mini grant was secured through New Mexico State University for hardware and software for community sites. A 4-H FANs website was designed and launched. Also a 4-H FANs Facebook page and Twitter accounts were established. Sustaining-There are 24 sustained clubs including 2 Wii Dance Clubs and 2 Walking (Mileage) clubs. Small grant funding was secured to purchase exergame hardware and software for community sites. Approximately 26 volunteers have been recruited and trained to sustain the 4-H FANs clubs ( 16 Hartford, 10 New Haven). Other Community groups who were not part of the original grant have requested training and materials to establish 4-H FANs at their sites.

Publications

• 03/01/2102 Web site, Facebook page and Twitter for 4-H FANs 2012 04/01/2012, 4-H FANs Leaders Guide (Minski, Taylor, Hamilton)2012

Progress 05/01/10 to 04/30/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Youth development technical assistance and training was provided to SCP sustained clubs and staff. SCP staff trained youth in a nutrition and fitness curriculum. The evaluator conducted fitness (measures and procedures) onsite training for SCP staff. Seven staff were CPR/first aid trained. Also, two received recertification in CPR/first aid. Sixty -six complete pre and post fitness measures were conducted on 4-H FANs participants.In Hartford, 43 youth participated in general nutrition and fitness programs through 7 sites (Rawson, Sanchez, Betances, Abundant Families After School Center, Milner School, Boys & Girls Club and Batchelor School. Three teen leaders and 2 adult volunteers helped to run the FANs project for 8 week sessions. All 7 sites have now become sustaining 4-H clubs. A nutrition student from the University of Rhode Island also helped with educational programming and development of materials for the FANS project. In New Haven, 187 youth participated in general nutrition and fitness programs at 7 sites (Troup Magnet, Vincent Mauro, John Martinez, St. Martin De Porres, Micro Society Magnet, Clinton Avenue). Nine teen leaders, 7 adult staff and 12 adult volunteer leaders helped to run the FANs project in these schools. As a result, two new 4-H FANs clubs were formed and eight were sustainable clubs. Incorporated into this past year were: demonstrations and workshops in Karate, dance, yoga, Latin Dance, Wii Fit Games, dance software games, circuit fitness, and hula hoop fitness. Sustained clubs project areas include food and fitness, leadership development, arts/ crafts, and gardening. Youth leaders conducted presentations at 1 local health fair, Martin Luther King workshop and informational fair. Also, they participated in the planning and leadership in Citizenship Day at the State Capital, presentation at County 4-H Fair, a college tour of UCONN campus, weekend Teen Connection Event on UCONN Campus, College of Ag Cornucopia festival at UCONN Campus, 12 family fitness nights at sustained clubs and Nutrition and fitness newsletters were developed and distributed to program youth and families in addition to over 1,000 newsletters to parents for National Nutrition Month. PARTICIPANTS: Umekia R. Taylor- PI/Project Director- oversee CT project, coordinates meetings, cohesiveness of Hartford and New Haven sites. Dr. Ana Gomez- design, implementation and analysis of fitness and nutrition measures. Brittanie Volk- Grad student provided assistance with fitness measures. Sunasha Nixon-Program Aide provided assistance with nutrition education and food demonstrations. Rineicha Otero- Assistance with nutrition education. Katrina Minski- data collection and assistance with transition to from intervention to sustainable clubs. Fabian Gonzalez- assist with nutrition and fitness education-youth supervision and direct programming. Linda Horn- Hartford Co-Project Director-over site of Hartford Project and provide training/guidance of 4-H Clubs. Sherry Gray-Hartford Co-Project Director- assistance with direction of Hartford Project and provide guidance and involvement of sound nutrition principles with Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program. LaShawn Christie-Francis 4-H Outreach for training 4-H Youth leaders and supervisors, scheduling events and formulating 4-H FANs sustained. Francine Eulizier- Provided nutrition and fitness education-youth supervision and direct programming. Allison Calhoun-White- Provided nutrition and fitness education-youth supervision and direct programming. Carolyn Kopcha- nutrition student assisted with programming and materials development.Margaret Grillo-New Haven Project Director-over site of New Haven Project and provide training/guidance of 4-H Clubs.Wanda Hamilton-State Project Director-provides over site for consistency of Hartford and New Haven Projects; provides 4-H Volunteer Leader Training, collaborates with evaluator for scheduling evaluation time schedule; provides guidance for 4-H Leaders and supervisors and scheduling of events.Jeanne Pennella- Provided guidance and supervision of 4-H Youth. Chante Franklin- Provided leadership and assistance with training of 4-H Youth leaders and coordination of 4-H clubs in schools.Deborah Stewart- Youth development education workshops and guidance for engagement of sustained clubs.Alisa Bowen,Latin Dance Instruction,Antoinette Martone, Zumba Instructor,Janet Hernandez, Zumba Instructor.Katalina Rigelmann- Provided nutrition and fitness education-youth supervision and direct programming.Jill McInnes - Provided assistance with fitness measures. TARGET AUDIENCES: Hartford Board of Education; Hands on Hartford After school Program at Maria Sanchez School, Hartford, CT; Maria Sanchez School, Hartford, CT; New Haven Board of Education/curriculum committee; Family Resource Center at Vincent Mauro School/Mauro Sheridan, New Haven, CT; Vincent Mauro School, New Haven, CT; John Martinez School/Family Resource Center, New Haven, Easter Seals Goodwill Industries, New Haven, CT; MicroSociety Magnet School, New Haven; Augustus Troup School, New Haven , CT; St. Martin dePorres, New Haven, CT; University of Connecticut 4-H SYNEP SNAP Ed Program; University of Connecticut Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program; University of Connecticut 4-H Youth Development Program; New Haven Youth@ Work Program; City Wide Youth Coalition, New Haven, CT; Alisa's House of Salsa- New Haven; and Youth Development Training Center- New Haven. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
A 4-H FANs website was designed and completed (pending live launch) and includes goals, mission, accomplishment, partnerships and recipes (English and Spanish. Teen leaders presented nutrition and fitness programs at seven community/school sites. Participants gained knowledge/awareness in physical activity choices and nutrition by the use of nontraditional exercise such as karate and dance. Youth also participated in food demonstrations and tasted healthy snacks. Nutrition education handouts were provided to youth and their families. Youth were also introduced to several food and fitness websites using laptops. The WII fitness programs were also used in programming. Family and Exergame Olympics Nights gained momentum and popularity as indicated by attendance and parent/teacher/student comments. New Haven now has 2 sites that hold monthly family nights that focused on Fitness and Nutrition, and 2 other sites are planning to implement PTO family fitness nights in the future. In New Haven, six 4-H FANs sites have become sustaining 4-H clubs with adult volunteers. 4-H clubs have focused on additional food and fitness focus, leadership development, arts and crafts and technology. Children participated in fitness activities and tasted healthy snacks. Children were able to bring recipes and snack ideas home to their parents. A newsletter focusing on food and fitness tips was provided to all participating families. Flexibility and maximal number of sit-ups complete per minute were two of the many variables included in CT standard fitness tests of which significantly improved. Children were more confident in their abilities to do well on the CT Standard Fitness tests because of prior exposure to testing regime due to participation in FANs 4-H programming. Analysis indicates participants (children) enrolled in the FANs/4-H club programming will continue to significantly improve CT standard fitness tests because the evaluation component is providing them access and practice to improve these specific tests. Statistical analysis indicates significant increases in flexibility and maximal number of sit ups completed per minute. Significant increases in our physiological variables favorably indicate future improvements for all participants(Youth participants increased their knowledge of healthy food and beverage choices via handouts, food demonstrations and group discussion. After an intervention period lasting 8 weeks a genuine excitement and desire to continue participation in sustainable 4-H FANs programming was observed. Result: Preliminary results although not statistically significant indicate children have an improved attitude towards eating and drinking healthy choices. Implication: Through continued emphasis on positive attitudes toward healthy food and beverage choices, children will have a greater chance of combating childhood obesity and other illness related to unhealthy diets.

Publications

• Poster Session: U.R.Taylor, A.L.Gomez, S.S. Gray, M.Grillo, L.R. Horn, L.Christie-Francis, W.A. Hamilton, (2010)Modeling Healthy Lifestyle Through Peer based 4-H Fitness and Nutrition Clubs, American Dietetics Association Food and Nutrition Conference.(11/2010)
• Abstract/Workshop Submitted and Accepted: Taylor U.R., Gomez A.L., Hamilton W. A., Volk B., Johnson M., When research meets the community-Tango vs Tangle., DOD/USDA Family Resilience Conference, 2011.

Progress 05/01/09 to 04/30/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: SCP Staff participated in 10 hours of Youth Development technical assistance. SCP staff trained youth in a nutrition and fitness curriculum. The evaluator conducted fitness (measures and procedures) onsite training for SCP staff. Two sustainable SCP 4-H FANs adult volunteer leaders and two staff were CPR/first aid trained. Also, three staff received recertification in CPR/first aid. Thirty-two complete pre and post fitness measures were conducted on 4-H FANs participants (n = 25: Hispanic, n = 5: African American, n = 2: White). In Hartford, 48 youth participated in general nutrition and fitness programs through 3 sites (Betances School, Rawson School and Abundant Families After School setting). Three teen leaders and 2 adult volunteers helped to run the FANs project for 8 week sessions. All three sites have now become sustaining 4-H clubs. A nutrition student from the University of Rhode Island also helped with educational programming and development of materials for the FANS project. A fourth FANs site is being started at Milner School in early 2010. In New Haven, 158 youth participated in general nutrition and fitness programs at 6 sites (John Martinez School/Family Learning Center, St. Martin dePorres, Vincent Mauro School, Mauro Sheridan School, Augustus Troup School and MicroSociety Magnet School). Six teen leaders, 3 adult staff and 11 adult volunteer leaders helped to run the FANs project in these 6 schools. As a result, two new 4-H FANs clubs were formed and four were sustainable clubs. Incorporated into this past year were: demonstrations and workshops in Karate, dance, yoga, Latin Dance, Wii Fit Games, dance software games. Sustained clubs project areas include food and fitness, leadership development, arts/crafts, and gardening. Youth leaders conducted presentations at local health fairs, Martin Luther King workshop and informational fair and presented 4-H FANs poster sessions at the State Capital to local legislators. Nutrition and fitness newsletters were developed and distributed to program youth and families. Abstract Submitted: U.R.Taylor, A.L.Gomez, S.S. Gray, M.Grillo, L.R. Horn, L.Christie-Francis, W.A. Hamilton, (2010) Modeling Healthy Lifestyle Through Peer based 4-H Fitness and Nutrition Clubs, American Dietetics Association Food and Nutrition Conference.(pending abstract acceptance notification) PARTICIPANTS: Umekia R. Taylor- PI/Project Director- oversee CT project, coordinates meetings, cohesiveness of Hartford and New Haven sites. Dr. Ana Gomez- design, implementation and analysis of fitness and nutrition measures. Brittanie Volk- Grad student provided assistance with fitness measures. Angela Glenn- 4-H volunteer/SNAP Ed Public Specialist provided assistance with nutrition education and food demonstrations. Linda Horn- Hartford Co-Project Director-over site of Hartford Project and provide training/guidance of 4-H Clubs. Sherry Gray-Hartford Co-Project Director- assistance with direction of Hartford Project and provide guidance and involvement of sound nutrition principles with Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program. LaShawn Christie-Francis 4-H Outreach for training 4-H Youth leaders and formulating 4-H FANs sustained. Margaret Grillo-New Haven Project Director-over site of New Haven Project and provide training/guidance of 4-H Clubs. Wanda Hamilton-State Project Director-provides over site for consistency of Hartford and New Haven Projects; provides 4-H Volunteer Leader Training, collaborates with evaluator for scheduling evaluation time schedule; provides guidance for 4-H Leaders and supervisors and scheduling of events. Jenne Pennella- provides guidance and supervision of 4-H Youth. Chante Franklin- provides leadership and assistance with training of 4-H Youth leaders and coordination of 4-H clubs in schools.C arolyn Kopcha- nutrition student assisted with programming and materials development. Deborah Stewart- Youth development education workshops and guidance for engagement of sustained clubs. Alisa Bowen -Latin Dance Instruction. Sharon King- Yoga Instruction Collaborators/Contacts Hartford Board of Education; Hands on Hartford After School Program at Maria Sanchez School, Hartford, CT; Maria Sanchez School, Hartford, CT; New Haven Board of Education/curriculum committee; Family Resource Center at Vincent Mauro School/Mauro Sheridan, New Haven, CT; Vincent Mauro School, New Haven, CT; John Martinez School/Family Resource Center, New Haven, Easter Seals Goodwill Industries, New Haven, CT; MicroSociety Magnet School, New Haven; Augustus Troup School, New Haven, CT; St. Martin dePorres, New Haven, CT; University of Connecticut 4-H SYNEP SNAP Ed Program; University of Connecticut Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program; University of Connecticut 4-H Youth Development Program; New Haven Youth@ Work Program; City Wide Youth Coalition, New Haven, CT; Alisa's House of Salsa- New Haven; and Youth Development Training Center- New Haven. Training or Professional Development Red Cross CPR and First Aide Certification Course completed by SCP staff. Latin Dance, Yoga and Karate Instruction provided for students, parents and SCP staff. Youth Development Technical assistance provided for Sustained clubs and staff. Fitness Measures Training provided for SCP staff. Ethics, IRB and Diversity training by PI and Directors and SCP staff. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences (school age youth and high school students from urban cities) African American and Latino students (3rd to 5th grade) from after school programs: Vincent Mauro Magnet School/Mauro Sheridan, New Haven, CT. John Martinez School, New Haven, CT. St. Martin dePorres, New Haven, CT. Troup Magnet School/Augustus Troup, New Haven, CT. Maria Sanchez School Hartford, CT Abundant Life Family Center, Hartford, CT. Betances School- Hartford, CT MicroSociety Magnet School. African American and Latino high school youth from Hartford and New Haven, CT. Efforts Workshops, experiential learning, health and informational fairs, non-formal education, food demonstrations were provided for school age youth, high school youth and parents. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Teen leaders designed, organized and presented nutrition and fitness programs at seven community/school sites. Participants enrolled in the FANs program gained knowledge/awareness in physical activity choices and nutrition by the use of nontraditional exercise such as karate and dance. Youth also participated in food demonstrations and tasted healthy snacks. Nutrition education handouts were provided to youth and their families. Youth were also introduced to several food and fitness websites using laptops. The Wii fitness programs were also used in programming. All seven FANs sites have become sustaining 4-H clubs with adult volunteers. 4-H clubs have focused on additional food and fitness focus, leadership development, arts and crafts and gardening. Children were excited and enthusiastic to participate in the 8 week program. Children participated in fitness activities and tasted healthy snacks. Children were able to bring recipes and snack ideas home to their parents. A newsletter focusing on food and fitness tips was provided to all participating families. Evaluation Outputs: (Improve the confidence and numbers of children passing the CT Standards Fitness Tests) Findings: Flexibility and maximal number of sit-ups complete per minute were two of the many variables included in CT standard fitness tests of which significantly improved. Additionally, although anecdotal, children were more confident in their abilities to do well on the CT Standard Fitness tests because of prior exposure to testing regime due to participation in FANs 4-H programming. Implications: Analysis indicates participants (children) enrolled in the FANs/4-H club programming will continue to significantly improve CT standard fitness tests because the evaluation component is providing them access and practice to improve these specific tests. Therefore, we are optimistic and very excited to see improvements in the total number of at risk children who can pass CT Standard Fitness tests (Improvement in performance measures) Findings: Statistical analysis indicates significant increases in flexibility and maximal number of sit ups completed per minute. Implications: Significant increases in our physiological variables favorably indicate future improvements for all participants (Attitudes and practice of healthy food and beverage choices). Youth participants increased their knowledge of healthy food and beverage choices via handouts, food demonstrations and group discussion. After an intervention period lasting 8 weeks a genuine excitement and desire to continue participation in sustainable 4-H FANs programming was observed. Result: Preliminary results although not statistically significant indicate children have an improved attitude towards eating and drinking healthy choices. Implication: Through continued emphasis on positive attitudes toward healthy food and beverage choices, children will have a greater chance of combating childhood obesity and other illness related to unhealthy diets.

Publications

• Kopcha, C., Horn, L., Christie-Francis, L. 2009. 4-H FANs Parents newsletter Vol. 1 , Vol. 2 December

Progress 05/01/08 to 04/30/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Ten complete pre and post fitness measures were conducted on 4-H FANs participants and thirty are pending. Thirteen teen youth leaders were recruited and trained from local high schools and community programs in New Haven and Hartford. SCP Staff participated in eight hours of Youth Development training. One supervisor and one volunteer participated in a thirty hour youth development course. SCP staff trained youth in a nutrition and fitness curriculum. The evaluator conducted fitness (measures and procedures) training for SCP staff. The program coordinator completed a six hour recertification for CPR and first aide. Teen leaders, staff, parents and youth participated in Latin dance lessons in conjunction with a Kickoff 4-H FANs Campaign at Martinez School Family Resource Center in New Haven. In Hartford, 67 youth participated in general nutrition and fitness programs. In New Haven, 103 youth in New Haven participated in general 4-H Training, 38 participated in the eight week intervention and 14 youth participated in one sustained club at Vincent Mauro School. There was also yoga, fitness and salsa dance instruction for youth and families in New Haven sites. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: Umekia R. Taylor- PI/Project Director- oversee CT project, coordinates meetings, cohesiveness of Hartford and New Haven sites. Dr. Ana Gomez- design, implementation and analysis of fitness and nutrition measures. Brittanie Volk- Grad student provided assistance with fitness measures. Angela Glenn- 4-H volunteer provided assistance with fitness measures. Linda Horn- Hartford Co-Project Director-over site of Hartford Project and provide training/guidance of 4-H Clubs. Sherry Gray-Hartford Co-Project Director- assistance with direction of Hartford Project and provide guidance and involvement of sound nutrition principles with Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program. LaShawn Christie- 4-H Outreach for training 4-H Youth leaders and formulating 4-H FANs sustained. Margaret Grillo-New Haven Project Director-over site of New Haven Project and provide training/guidance of 4-H Clubs. Wanda Hamilton-State Project Director-provides over site for consistency of Hartford and New Haven Projects; provides 4-H Volunteer Leader Training, collaborates with evaluator for scheduling evaluation time schedule; provides guidance for 4-H Leaders and supervisors and scheduling of events. Jenne Pennella- provides guidance and supervision of 4-H Youth. Dana Fripp- provides leadership and assistance with training of 4-H Youth leaders and coordination of 4-H clubs in schools. Deborah Stewart- collaborator- Youth Development Training; Katalina Riegelmann- fitness instruction and evaluation assistance. Collaborators/Contacts: Hartford Board of Education; Hands on Hartford After school Program at Maria Sanchez School, Hartford, CT; Maria Sanchez School, Hartford, CT; New Haven Board of Education/curriculum committee; Family Resource Center at Vincent Mauro School, New Haven, CT; Vincent Mauro School, New Haven, CT; John Martinez School/Family Resource Center, New Haven, Easter Seals Goodwill Industries, New Haven, CT; University of Connecticut Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program; University of Connecticut 4-H Youth Development Program; New Haven Youth@ Work Program. Training or Professional Development: Red Cross CPR and First Aide Certification Course completed by 1 SCP staff. Latin Dance Instruction provided for students, parents and SCP staff. Advancing Youth Development Training provided for SCP staff. Fitness Measures Training provided for SCP staff. Ethics IRB and Diversity training for PI and Directors and staff. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences school age youth and high school students (African American, Latino, Caucasian) from urban cities: 3rd to 5th grade urban youth from after school programs; Vincent Mauro Magnet School, New Haven, CT; John Martinez School, New Haven, CT; St. Martin DePorres, New Haven, CT; Troup Magnet School, New Haven, CT; Maria Sanchez School Hartford, CT; Abundant Life Family Center, Hartford, CT. Efforts: Workshops, experiential learning, health and informational fairs, non-formal education, food demonstrations were provided for school age youth, high school youth and parents. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Results of fitness measures and nutrition awareness/and practices of healthy food/beverages are pending for 52 youth. Teen leaders demonstrated improved skills in leadership, self-confidence and public speaking skills as indicated by observation of the 4-H program staff and volunteers. Teen leaders designed, organized and presented nutrition and fitness programs at three major community/school and 4-H Partner events. Participants enrolled in 4-H FANs gained knowledge/awareness in physical activity choices and nutrition by the use of nontraditional exercise such as yoga and dance. Additionally, youth participated in food demonstrations and tasted healthy snacks. Nutrition education handouts were provided to youth and their families. We noted and observed great interest among participants to teach parents/guardians/siblings their new found knowledge about healthy food and beverage choices. Preliminary statistical analyses indicated positive increase in right handed grip strength, sit n reach flexibility tests and total number of sit-ups completed per minute. Although changes were not statistically significant, positive trends were noted; there may be increased significance as more participants are enrolled. Children expressed that they were more confident in their abilities to perform well on the CT Standard Fitness tests because of prior exposure to testing regime due to participation in 4-H FANs. Attitudes about the practice of daily exercise in the lives of the high context participants enrolled in 4-H FANs has instilled great confidence and thus are likely to significantly improve CT standard fitness tests because the evaluation component is providing them access and practice to improve these specific tests. There is great interest among participants, parents/guardians and schools officials to sustain 4-H FANs.

Publications

• Hamilton W., Taylor U. 2009. 4-H FANs Get Fit, Connecticut 4-H Newsletter. In Press
• Taylor U., Hamilton W. 2009. Interview for CYFERnet, State Program Spotlight 4-H Fitness and Nutrition Clubs, Connecticut, www.cyfernet.org/state_spotlight/02-09.html

Progress 05/01/07 to 04/30/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Fitness measures have been conducted on 4-H FANs participants (ongoing). Fourteen teen youth leaders have been recruited and trained from local high schools and community programs in New Haven and Hartford. SCP Staff have participated in Youth Development trainings (about 8 hours). One supervisor is currently participating in a 30 hour youth development course. SCP staff have trained youth in nutrition and fitness curriculum. The evaluator trained SCP staff in fitness measures and procedures. The program coordinator and one supervisor completed a 9 hour CPR and first aide course. Teens participated in a Latin dance workshop. Outreach dissemination has occurred with a Kickoff 4-H FANs Campaign, in which a Latin Dance instructor taught Latin dance to parents and their children at Vincent Mauro Magnet School in New Haven. 4-H materials were distributed at the Kickoff event. PARTICIPANTS: Umekia R. Taylor- PI/Project Director- over site of project,coordinates meetings, cohesiveness of Hartford and New Haven sites. Dr. Ana Gomez- design, implementation and analysis of fitness and nutrition measures. Linda Horn- Hartford Co-Project Director-over site of Hartford Project and provides training/guidance of 4-H Clubs. Sherry Gray-Hartford Co-Project Director- assistance with direction of Hartford Project and provides guidance and involvement of sound nutrition principles with Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program. Jessika Mercado- special assistant for training 4-H Youth leaders. Margaret Grillo-New Haven Project Director-over site of New Haven Project and guidance of 4-H Clubs. Wanda Hamilton-State Project Director-provides over site for consistency of Hartford and New Haven Projects; provides 4-H Volunteer Leader Training, collaborates with evaluator for scheduling evaluation time schedule; provides guidance for 4-H Leaders and supervisors and scheduling of events. Kenrik-Yardell Jones- provides guidance and supervision of 4-H Youth. Krista Sandoval- provides leadership and assistance with training of 4-H Youth leaders and coordination of 4-H clubs in schools. Collaborator & Contacts: Hartford Board of Education; Hands on Hartford After School Program at Maria Sanchez School, Hartford, CT; Maria Sanchez School, Hartford, CT; New Haven Board of Education/curriculum committee; Family Resource Center at Vincent Mauro School, New Haven, CT; Vincent Mauro School, New Haven, CT; University of Connecticut Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program; University of Connecticut 4-H Youth Development Program; New Haven Youth @ Work Program. Training or Professional Development: IRB and Ethics Training for Project PI and Directors;Red Cross CPR and First Aide Certification Course completed by SCP staff;Latin Dance Instruction provided for students, parents and SCP staff.Advancing Youth Development Training provided for SCP staff;Fitness Measures Training provided for SCP staff. TARGET AUDIENCES: School age youth and high school students from urban cities: African American and Latino students (3rd to 5th grade) from after school programs:Vincent Mauro Magnet School, New Haven, CT and Maria Sanchez School Hartford, CT. African American and Latino high school youth from Hartford and New Haven, CT. Workshops, experiential learning, health and informational fairs, non-formal education, food demonstrations were provided for school age youth, high school youth and parents.

Impacts
Results of fitness measures and nutrition awareness/and practices of healthy food/beverages are pending. Teen leaders have shown change in leadership, self-confidence and presentation skills as indicated by observation of the 4-H program staff and volunteers. Teen leaders designed, organized and presented at three major community/school and 4-H Partner events.

Publications

• Taylor, U.R., Grillo, M., Gomez, A., Hamilton, W.A., Sandoval, S., Jones, K.Y. 2008. University of Connecticut 4-H Fitness and Nutrition Clubs (4-H FANs). USDA Children Youth and Families At Risk Conference, San Antonio, Texas. Abstract